On the 21st - 25th February I will be taking part in the 2nd running of the Namibian Desert Challenge.

This is a 220km staged, self sufficiency event over 5 days going through private game reserves and up some of the highest sand dunes!

Unfortunately my training hasn't exactly gone to plan.  I have done no running since Christmas day due to Viral Meningitis, but hopefully can start my training again next week (25th January). However, I am still really looking forward to the challenge and going to Namibia for the first time.

Below are the details of each stage:

There are five stages ranging from 28 - 60 km over five days. The stages are arranged to cover the most spectacular and varied part of the area. Each stage consists of several legs whereby competitors must pass through a checkpoint to collect water and where medical assistance is also available. Checkpoints are stationed roughly every 15km throughout each stage.

Stage 1: 42 Km

Area: Private Game Farms around Sesriem

The race begins with a slight and gradual incline across dry bushveld. The terrain is a mix of grassy plains, rocky hills and dry river beds. Competitors will be treated to awesome views of the landscape upon reaching the summit of a narrow mountain pass. Wildlife is regularly visible and competitors will be treated to sightings of springbok, oryx, zebras and ostrich.

Stage 2: 44 Km

Area: Naukluft National Park

The course traverses dry riverbeds and then heads through scattered vegetation and then into a dry big open gravel plain. Hereafter, competitors will get a taste of running over their first dunes and the trail becomes thick red dune sand.

Stage 3: 44 Km

Area: Private Game Farms around Sesriem

Day 3 offers a tougher test of the competitors’ navigation skills. The scenery is magnificent and wildlife is plentiful. Competitors will have all types of terrain thrown at them in one stage: Sandy river-beds, rocky ground and large grasslands.

Stage 4: 55 Km

Area: Namib Naukluft National Park

The race heads towards the mighty red dunes, across the Sesriem Canyon and into the Namib Naukluft National Park. The summit of Dune 45 offers a daunting challenge as competitors head towards the stage finish line.